Food product scale

ABSTRACT

A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.

CROSS-REFERENCES

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/319,511, filed Jun. 30, 2014, which in turn claims the benefit ifU.S. Provisional Application Serial Nos. 61/898,061, filed Oct. 31, 2013and 61/876,613, filed Sep. 11, 2013.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to scales used for weighing foodproduct in supermarkets, groceries and other stores, and, moreparticularly, to a scale including advantageous interface configurationsand functionality.

BACKGROUND

In typical commercial food product scale applications the scale is usedto weigh food products and determines prices for the food products, andan associated printer prints a label for application to the foodproduct. An operator enters a product number, such as a PLU (pricelook-up) number, for the product being weighed and the scale accessesits database, or accesses a remote database, for pricing information onthe product. The total price for the item is then determined based uponits weight.

Operators and consumers have grown to expect more dynamic functionalityand operations from devices. It would be desirable to provide a scalefacilitating such functionality and operations.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a scale includes a weigh station for receiving items tobe weighed, an operator interface configured to display informationassociated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled tothe operator interface to effect display of information thereon. Thecontroller is configured such that multiple primary interface screenviews are made available for operator use, wherein each of the primaryinterface screen views includes: (i) a plurality of fixed features thatare common among all the primary interface screen views, each fixedfeature residing in a common location in each of the primary interfacescreen views; and (ii) other features that are not common with the otherprimary interface screen views.

In one example, one of the plurality of fixed features is a group ofadjacent screen view icons, each screen view icon associated with one ofthe plurality of primary interface screen views in a one-to-onecorrespondence. The controller is configured such that each screen viewicon is displayed in either a present state or background state, and thestate of each screen view icon is automatically adjusted upon transitionfrom one primary interface screen view to another primary interfacescreen view such that only the screen view icon associated with theprimary interface screen view that is being displayed is displayed inthe present state.

In another example, the controller is configured such that one of theplurality of primary interface screen views is designated as a homeinterface screen view, and one of the plurality of fixed features is ahome view icon that when triggered causes the home interface screen viewto be displayed. In such example, the controller may be configured suchthat designation of the home interface screen view can be changed asbetween a first of the primary interface screen views and a second ofthe primary interface screen views. In such example, the controller mayalso be configured such that three or more primary interface screenviews are provided, and at least one of the primary interface screenviews cannot be designated as the home interface screen view.

In another aspect, a method is provided for configuring a scaleincluding a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operatorinterface configured to display information associated with scaleoperations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interfaceto effect display of information thereon. The method includes the stepsof: defining a plurality of fixed features that are useful to operatoroperation of the scale; and making multiple primary interface screenviews available for operator use, wherein each of the primary interfacescreen views includes each of the fixed features thereon to create adegree of commonality between the primary interface screen views, eachfixed feature residing in a common location in each of the primaryinterface screen views.

In a further aspect, a method is provided for establishing a scaleinterface system for a food product weighing and pricing scale includinga weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interfaceconfigured to display information associated with scale operations, anassociated label printer for printing labels for weighed items, and acontroller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect displayof information thereon. The method involves: identifying a set ofcritical interface features; incorporating the critical features into atleast a first interface screen view and a second interface screen viewthat are presentable to operators via the operator interface in a mannerthat enables operators to switch between the first interface screen viewand the second interface screen view; identifying a first set of primaryfeatures for the first interface screen view, the first set of primaryfeatures focused on a primary function of the first interface screenview; incorporating the first set of primary features into the firstinterface screen view; identifying a second set of primary features forthe second interface screen view, the second set of primary featuresfocused on a primary function of the second interface screen view; andincorporating the second set of primary features into the secondinterface screen view.

In another aspect, a scale includes a weigh station for receiving itemsto be weighed, an operator interface configured to display informationassociated with scale operations, the operator interface comprising atouch-sensitive display, and a controller operably coupled to theoperator interface to effect display of information thereon. Thecontroller is configured to make available multiple interface screenviews for use by the operator, and to enable a user to transition fromone interface screen view to another interface screen view via a swipingoperation. The touch-sensitive display includes a viewing area and atouch-sensitive member with a primary portion that overlies the viewingarea and a secondary portion that is external of the viewing area, andswiping operations can be achieved using the secondary portion of thetouch-sensitive member.

In a further aspect, a method is provided for enabling operatortransition between viewable screens of a scale operator interface, wherethe scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed,and an operator interface configured to display information associatedwith scale operations, the operator interface comprising atouch-sensitive display. The method involves: making available multipleprimary interface screen views for use by the operator, displaying oneof the multiple primary interface screen views on a viewing area of thedisplay, and detecting a swiping operation on a surface of the displayin order to transition from the one primary interface screen view to adifferent primary interface screen view.

In another aspect, a scale includes a weigh station for receiving itemsto be weighed, an operator interface configured to display informationassociated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled tothe operator interface to effect display of information thereon. Thecontroller is configured to present an item weigh primary interfacescreen view for weighing operations and at which identity data regardinga given item to be weighed can be entered by an operator and retrieveditem information for the given item responsively displayed in at leastone product-related display field on the item weigh primary interfacescreen view. The item weigh primary interface screen view is one ofmultiple primary interface screen views available to an operator, andthe operator is able to interact with the operator interface to movebetween the multiple primary interface screen views. The controller isconfigured such that item information retrieved and displayed on theitem weigh primary interface screen view remains populated when anoperator transitions from the item weigh primary interface screen viewto another primary interface screen view and back again.

In another aspect, a scale includes a weigh station for receiving itemsto be weighed, an operator interface configured to display informationassociated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled tothe operator interface to effect display of information thereon. Thecontroller is configured to present an item weigh primary interfacescreen view for weighing operations and at which identity data regardinga given item to be weighed can be entered by an operator and iteminformation for the given item responsively retrieved and displayed. Theitem weigh primary interface screen view includes a selectable menuicon, where selection of the menu icon triggers display of an menuinterface window over the item weigh primary interface screen view andthrough which an operator can access supplemental information. Thecontroller is configured such that item information retrieved anddisplayed on the item weigh primary interface screen view remainspopulated when an operator temporarily accesses and then closes the menuinterface window.

In another aspect, a method is provided for facilitating user access toinformation during performance of a weighing operation using a scalethat includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, anoperator interface configured to display information associated withscale operations, the operator interface including a touch-sensitivedisplay. The method involves the steps of: receiving identity dataregarding a given item to be weighed; displaying on an item weighprimary interface screen view of the interface retrieved iteminformation for the given item in at least one product-related displayfield on the item weigh primary interface screen view; transitioningfrom display of the item weigh primary interface screen view to one of adifferent primary interface screen view or a menu interface windowdisplayed over the item weigh primary interface screen view; andtransitioning back to display of the item weigh primary interface screenview, with the retrieved item information for the given item continuingto be displayed in the product-related display field, enabling operatorcompletion of the weighing operation.

In another aspect, a scale includes a weigh station for receiving itemsto be weighed, an operator interface configured to display informationassociated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled tothe operator interface to effect display of information. The controlleris configured to present an item weigh primary interface screen view forweighing operations and at which identity data regarding a given item tobe weighed can be entered by an operator and item information for thegiven item responsively retrieved and displayed. The controller isfurther configured to enable adjustment of the item weigh primaryinterface screen view by dragging and dropping at least one grouping ofdisplayed fields and/or icons in order to shift the grouping from afirst location on the item weigh primary interface screen view to asecond location on the item weigh primary interface screen view. Uponsuch a shift, the controller effects automated adjustment of locationsof other parts of the item weigh primary interface screen view toaccommodate the shift of the grouping.

In another aspect, a scale includes a weigh station for receiving itemsto be weighed, an operator interface configured to display informationassociated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled tothe operator interface to effect display of information. The controlleris configured to present an item weigh primary interface screen view forweighing operations and at which identity data regarding a given item tobe weighed can be entered by an operator and item information for thegiven item responsively retrieved and displayed. The controller isfurther configured to enable adjustment of the item weigh primaryinterface screen view as between a left-handed view and a right-handedview.

In another aspect, a scale includes a weigh station for receiving itemsto be weighed, an operator interface configured to display informationassociated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled tothe operator interface to effect display of information. The controlleris configured to present an item weigh primary interface screen view forweighing operations and at which identity data regarding a given item tobe weighed can be entered by an operator and item information for thegiven item responsively retrieved and displayed. The primary interfacescreen view includes at least a first dynamic content area and a seconddynamic content area adjacent the first dynamic content area. Thecontroller is further configured to enable display of the first dynamiccontent area to be hidden or turned off and in such case the controlleris configured to effect automatic adjustment of a display size of thesecond dynamic content area to fill space previously taken by the firstdynamic content area.

In another aspect, a scale includes a weigh station for receiving itemsto be weighed and an operator interface configured to displayinformation associated with scale operations. The operator interfaceincludes a touch-sensitive display. A controller is operably coupled tothe operator interface to effect display of information thereon. Thecontroller is further configured to vary brightness of thetouch-sensitive display in order to extend operating life of thetouch-sensitive display. In particular, the controller is configured toeffect a normal brightness setting during operator interaction with thetouch-sensitive display and a dimmed brightness setting that isimplemented after a set time period without operator interaction withthe touch-sensitive display. During the dimmed brightness setting, oneor more selectable icons or fields on the touch-sensitive display remainlive and ready for operator selection.

In another aspect, a method is provided for operating a scale includinga weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interfaceconfigured to display information associated with scale operations, theoperator interface including a touch-sensitive display. The methodincludes the steps of: utilizing a first brightness setting foroperation of the touch-sensitive display; automatically transitioning toutilization of a second brightness setting for operation of thetouch-sensitive display, the second brightness setting being lower thanthe first brightness setting for improving operating life of thetouch-sensitive display; and during utilization of the second brightnesssetting, continuing to monitor a touch-sensitive surface of thetouch-sensitive display for operator selection of one or more displayedicons or fields and, upon operator selection of a given displayed iconor field, capturing the selection.

In another aspect, a method is provided for operating a scale includinga weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interfaceconfigured to display information associated with scale operations, theoperator interface including a touch-sensitive display. The methodincludes the steps of: utilizing a first brightness setting foroperation of the touch-sensitive display; automatically transitioning toutilization a second brightness setting for operation of thetouch-sensitive display, the second brightness setting being lower thanthe first brightness setting for improving operating life of thetouch-sensitive display; and during utilization of the second brightnesssetting, automatically transitioning back to the first brightnesssetting for operation of the touch-sensitive display upon the occurrenceof either (i) operator contact with a touch-sensitive surface of thetouch-sensitive display or (ii) a load cell of the weighing stationoutputting a weight signal indicative of item placement on the weighingstation for weighing.

In another aspect, a scale includes a weigh station for receiving itemsto be weighed, an operator interface configured to display informationassociated with scale operations and a customer interface for displayinginformation to a customer. A controller is operably coupled to theoperator interface to effect display of information thereon and operablycoupled to the customer interface to effect display of informationthereon. The controller is configured to play one of a plurality ofcustomer information videos on the customer interface when the scale isnot being used to weigh and price items. The controller is furtherconfigured such that upon operator initiation of an item weigh and priceoperation during display of a specific video of the plurality ofcustomer information videos, display of the specific video is stoppedand item weigh and price information is displayed on the customerinterface, and upon completion of the item weigh and price operationdisplay of a different video of the plurality of customer informationvideos is automatically initiated on the customer interface.

In another aspect, a scale includes a weigh station for receiving itemsto be weighed, an operator interface configured to display informationassociated with scale operations and a customer interface for displayinginformation to a customer. A controller is operably coupled to theoperator interface to effect display of information thereon and operablycoupled to the customer interface to effect display of informationthereon. The controller is configured to play a plurality of customerinformation videos on the customer interface in a defined sequenceestablished by a playlist that can be modified via the operatorinterface.

In another aspect, a method is provided for providing customers withinformation via a scale that includes a weigh station for receivingitems to be weighed, an operator interface configured to displayinformation associated with scale operations, and a customer interfacefor displaying information to a customer. The method involves:displaying one of a plurality of customer information videos on thecustomer interface when the scale is not being used to weigh and priceitems, upon operator initiation of an item weigh and price operationduring display of a specific video of the plurality of customerinformation videos, display of the first video is stopped and item weighand price information is displayed on the customer interface, and uponcompletion of the item weigh and price operation, display of a differentvideo of the plurality of customer information videos is automaticallyinitiated on the customer interface.

In another aspect, a method is provided for operating a scale includinga weigh station for receiving items to be weighed and an operatorinterface configured to display information associated with scaleoperations. The method involves: presenting an interface screen viewthat includes (i) multiple fields useful for performing item weigh andprice operations and (ii) a plurality of alert icons, each alert iconassociated with a particular notification type; and for each alert iconof the plurality, selectively displaying the alert icon in either (i) anactive state in the event the notification type associated with thealert icon exists or (ii) an inactive state in the event that thenotification type associated with the alert icon does not exist.

In a further aspect, a method is provided for alerting an operator to aspecific condition associated with a scale including a weigh station forreceiving items to be weighed and an operator interface configured todisplay information associated with scale operations, where the operatorinterface comprising a touch-sensitive display. The method involves:displaying an alert icon in an inactive state on the display when analert condition associated with the alert icon does not exist;displaying the alert icon in an active state on the display when thealert condition associated with the alert icon does exist; and upon userselection of the alert icon during display of the alert icon in theactive state, displaying alert notification message information.

In another aspect, a method is provided for reorganizing a food productdisplay area within a food retail sales establishment. The methodinvolves: utilizing a scale including a weigh station for receivingitems to be weighed and an operator interface configured to displayinformation associated with scale operations; the scale displaying aplanogram alert icon on the operator interface to notify the operator ofan available planogram update; the operator selects the planogram alerticon to access display of an image of a desired layout of food productfor the food product display area; and the operator utilizing the imageto adjust the food product display area to match the desired layoutpresented in the image.

In a further aspect, a method is provided for reorganizing multiple foodproduct display areas within a food retail sales establishment. Themethod involves: utilizing a scale including a weigh station forreceiving items to be weighed and an operator interface configured todisplay information associated with scale operations; using the operatorinterface to access display of multiple planogram options on theoperator interface; selecting a first planogram option to cause displayof a first image of a desired layout of food product for a first foodproduct display area; the operator utilizing the first image to adjustthe first food product display area to correspond to the desired layoutpresented in the first image; selecting a second planogram option tocause display of a second image of a desired layout of food product fora second food product display area; utilizing the second image to adjustthe second food product display area to correspond to the desired layoutpresented in the second image.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features, objects, andadvantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a scale;

FIG. 2 a rear perspective view of the scale of FIG. 1′

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a scale in an exemplaryperishables department of a store;

FIG. 4 is a schematic depiction of the scale of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5 and 6 show schematic depictions of primary interface screen viewarrangements for the scale of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an exemplary format for a first primary interfacescreen view;

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show exemplary formats for a second primary interfacescreen view;

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary format for a third primary interface screenview;

FIGS. 13-16 show exemplary interface operations enabling the designatedhome interface screen view to be changed;

FIG. 17 shows an exploded partial perspective view of an exemplaryconsole that can form the operator interface of the scale of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 shows a view of the active area of the touch-sensitive member ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 19 shows a screen view with a supervisor functions pop-up windowshowing all available functions;

FIG. 20 shows a primary interface screen view with groups of icons andfields activated to enable movement of the groups;

FIG. 21 shows a screen view with the two groupings of FIG. 20 moved;

FIG. 22 shows a screen view with certain dynamic content fieldsactivated;

FIG. 23 shows an adjustment screen view for the dynamic content fields;

FIG. 24 shows a modified version of the interface screen view of FIG. 23with one dynamic content area expanded to fill space left available byclosure of other dynamic content fields;

FIG. 25 shows a screen view with the keypad replaced by flashkeys;

FIGS. 26-29 show exemplary screen views that enable flashkey setup;

FIGS. 30-34 show exemplary screen views that enable an operator toperform a product search function;

FIGS. 35 and 36 show exemplary screen views that facilitate adjustmentof scale interface screen dimming operations;

FIG. 37 shows a screen view that enables adjustment of customer videodisplay functions;

FIG. 38 shows a screen view that enables modification of scale mode;

FIG. 39 shows a screen view presented for item accumulation purposes;

FIGS. 40-42 show screen views that enable an operator to adjust the sellby date of a product on the fly;

FIG. 43 shows a screen view with a printer alert message pop-up window;

FIG. 44 shows a screen view with a planogram image pop-up window;

FIG. 45 shows a screen view with a network alert pop-up window;

FIG. 46 shows a screen view with a network settings pop-up window whenthere is no network connection;

FIG. 47 shows a screen view with a network settings pop-up window whenthere is a network connection; and

FIG. 48 shows a screen view with a planogram selection pop-up window.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary scale configuration is shown.The scale 10 includes a weighing station 12, which in some embodimentsmay be formed by a weighing platter 13 that can be removed (e.g., forcleaning) from atop the scale housing 14, and having an associatedmechanism such as a load cell located internal of the scale housing 14,for producing weight indicative signals when items are placed on theweighing station. An operator interface side 16 of the scale includes anoperator interface 18 configured to display information associated withscale operations. By way of example, the operator interface 18 may beformed by a touch-screen display. A customer interface side 20 of thescale includes a customer interface 22, which in certain embodiments maybe formed by any suitable display screen technology. It is contemplatedthat the customer interface 22 need not include touch-screencapabilities, but it is recognized that in certain embodimentstouch-screen capability could be incorporated into the customerinterface as well. A side portion 24 of the scale housing includes alabel exit slot 26 and incorporates a label printer therein along with alabel supply station. The label printer may use any suitable printingtechnology. A removable side panel 28 is provided to access the labelsupply station for replacement of the labels and to access the labelprinter and the label path for maintenance etc. Alternatively, member 28may take the form of a removable cassette.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary scale system 30 is shown (e.g.,located in a store perishables department such as a deli department,meat and fish department or baked goods department) having a counter 32with a customer side 34 and a service person side 36. The scale systemincludes a scale 10 located atop the counter 32 and adapted for weighingand pricing food items. In the illustrated embodiment a single scale 10is shown, but many departments will include multiple scales. Likewise,while a single counter is shown, many departments will include multiplecounters arranged adjacent each other to effectively form one continuouscounter. In an alternative embodiment, the scale may be a hanging scalelocated above the counter 32. As shown, in certain embodiments the scalecounter may be located in front of a meat slicing station 38 thatincludes one or more food product slicers 40. Although shown in thecontext of a department including a customer facing side or region, itis recognized that in certain applications the scales will not be usedin an environment where the interface 22 faces a customer or customerlocation (e.g., a back-room or other location where items are not beingweighed directly in front of the customer, such as a bakery department).In addition, some scales may also include a self service functionality,that enables store customers to weigh and price items. Moreover, incertain implementations the scale or scale system may be an integratedpart of a package wrapper (e.g., of the type used to wrap meat productsin the back room of the supermarket). In such an implementation the loadcell may be located along a package feed in path of the machine.

In one example of a typical item pricing operation an operator enters anitem identifier (e.g., a price look-up number or PLU) via the operatorinterface, and the scale retrieves price and other product informationassociated with the PLU and displays product information. The operatorplaces the item (e.g., just sliced by the operator or selected from acontainer within the deli counter or elsewhere, or in the case of selfservice selected from a food display or stand) on the weighing station,and the scale prices the item based upon weight and displays that priceon both the operator interface and the customer interface. When thedesired amount of the product is achieved, the operator presses a printbutton on the operator interface and the scale prints a label with itemdetails (e.g., item name, item weight, item price) that is then appliedto a package in which the item is placed before the package is handed toa customer. In another example, which is more common in a bakerydepartment, the scale 10 may price an item by an item count entered bythe operator (e.g., in the case of an item with a PLU that indicates aprice based upon item count).

As used herein, the term “operator” refers broadly to any personinteracting with the user interface of the scale. Thus, the term“operator” includes, for example, each of (i) regular store employeesthat may have access to basic scale functions/operations, (ii)supervisor type store employees that may have access to basic scalefunctions/operations and more advanced scale functions/operations, (iii)service personnel that may have access to special service-based scalefunctions/operations and (iv) store customers (e.g., where a scale isset-up for operation in a self service mode). When the term “operator”is used in the claims, and unless otherwise dictated by other expresslimitations of the claim, the term should be construed broadly enough toencompass one or more of the foregoing exemplary operator types.However, when the term “operator” is used in the claims, and unlessotherwise dictated by other express limitations of the claim, the termshould not be construed as requiring applicability to more than one ofthe exemplary operator types.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a high level schematic depiction of the scale10 is shown, including a controller 50 interconnected with each of theoperator interface 18, customer interface 22, weighing station 12, labelprinter 52 and a communications interface 54, and having associatedmemory 56. The controller 50 may, for example, be any suitableprocessor-based controller, including one or more processors, such as adual-core processor, with associated hardware, software and firmware toachieve desired functionality. As used herein, the term “controller” isintended to broadly encompass the collection of circuits, processors,software, firmware and/or other components that carry out the variousoperating and processing functions of the scale and its component partsas described herein. The operator interface 18 may include both adisplay device 58 and touch-screen panel 60 as shown. The weight stationplatter 13 is operatively connected to a load cell 62, which producesweight indicative signals. The communication interface 54 may be anysuitable type (e.g., as a hardware link, such as a standard networkconnector, or may be formed by a wireless device such as an RF orinfrared transceiver), and it is recognized that multiple communicationsinterfaces may be provided. Memory 56 may, by way of example, take theform of one or more of non-volatile flash memory and/or random accessmemory, or disk on module or micro-SD. As explained above, thecontroller 50 is operable to establish a price for a weighed item basedin part upon a weight indicative signal produced for that item. In thisregard, the scale controller may include its own database of productprice information (e.g., price per pound) that it retrieves when theoperator inputs the PLU number or other product identifier of an itembeing weighed. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the controller mayutilize the communication interface 54 to access a remote computersystem having the database of product price information on other productinformation. Although not shown in FIG. 4, in certain embodiments thescale may also include an RF operator identification system in whichoperators utilize RF identification units (e.g., in the form ofwrist-band type units, or other structures) that are worn proximate tothe hands of the operator. Such a system is described in U.S. Pat. No.7,041,915.

Enhanced functionality and operations of food product scales aredesired. In order to provide such enhancements in a straightforward andstreamlined manner, such a scale 10 may be provided with an operatorinterface that utilizes multiple interface screen views. Specifically,and referring to FIG. 5, multiple primary interface screen views 70A,70B and 70C are shown in side by side relation, with the currentlydisplayed interface screen view represented within dashed line region72. Although three primary interface screen views are primarilydescribed herein, it is recognized that embodiments having only twoprimary interface screen views and embodiments having more than threeprimary interface screen views are also possible. As used herein theterminology “primary interface screen view” is intended to encompass afirst level screen view, that is, a screen view that can be presentedfor display without first clicking or passing through another screenview. As will be described in further detail below, each primaryinterface screen view is at the ready for display (e.g., meaning that itstands ready to be displayed, such as in RAM), even though only one ofthe views is being displayed at any given time. In the arrangement ofFIG. 5, from the perspective of the operator, the interface screen views70A, 70 B and 70C appear to be arranged side-by-side horizontally, sothat operator selection of a different interface screen view is achievedby some interaction that designates another screen view that is eitherto the left or to the right of the currently displayed screen view. Byway of example, such selection could be achieved by a left or rightswiping operation along the operator interface, by selection of a leftor right screen view indicator arrow or by selection of a screen viewicon that is one of multiple screen view icons displayed horizontallyside-by-side on each screen view. In an alternative arrangement depictedin FIG. 6, from the perspective of the operator, the interface screenviews 70A, 70B and 70C appear to be arranged one atop anothervertically, so that operator selection of a different interface screenview is achieved by some interaction that designates another screen viewthat is either above or below the currently displayed screen view. Byway of example, such selection could be achieved by an up or downswiping operation along the operator interface, by selection of a an upor down screen view indicator arrow or by selection of a screen viewicon that is one of multiple screen view icons displayed in a verticallystacked manner on each screen view.

In other embodiments, from the perspective of the operator, theinterface screen views could appear to be arranged both side-by-sidehorizontally and one atop another vertically. For example, withreference to FIG. 5, in order to provide five screen views, a fourthscreen view could be perceived as being above screen view 70A and afifth screen view could be perceived as being below screen view 70A.Thus, from screen view 70A an operator could swipe in any one of fourdirections to access another screen view, but from either of screenviews 70B and 70C, as well as the proposed fourth and fifth screenviews, the only screen view accessible by swiping would be the centerscreen view 70A.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, an exemplary primary interface screenview 70A is shown. The interface screen view 70A includes each of ametrology bar 80, a PLU description line 82, a product trackinginformation line 84, a menu button/icon 86, a home button/icon 88, adynamic content area 90, and a keypad area 92. The illustrated metrologybar 80 for a by weight item includes each of a WEIGHT field 80A, a TAREfield 80B, a UNIT PRICE field 80C and a TOTAL PRICE field 80D. However,where the product is a by count, by fluid ounce or fixed weight item themetrology bar fields may vary The PLU line 82 includes each of a PLU #field 82A, a product name/description field 82B and a SELL BY field 82C.The product tracking information line 84 includes a COOL (country oforigin label) field 84A, a BEST BEFORE field 84B and PACKED ON field84C. The illustrated dynamic content area 90 includes multipleselectable buttons, but could include other content as will be describedin more detail below. The keypad area 92 includes multiple selectablenumeric buttons, as well as print 92A, return 92B and backspace 92Cbuttons. The operator may use the keypad to enter a PLU number, whichcauses product price and other information to be retrieved and loadedinto the various fields as shown by way of example in FIG. 8.

Notably, in the top section of the screen view 70A, a further set ofdisplay features is provided. These display features include a capacitystring 94, a ZERO indicator 96, a screen view location indicator 98, analert indicator section 100, a scale operating mode indicator 102 and adate and time indicator 104. The capacity string 94 shows the scalecapacity, with current capacity range is shown within a trapezoid. TheZERO indicator 96 is an icon that appears when no weight is on the scaleand the scale is at zero load. The screen view location indicator 98 isan icon or group of adjacent icons that shows which of the three screenviews is being displayed. In this case, three side-by-side rectangularicons, with the rectangle shown in solid reflecting an active state ofthat icon and depicting the screen view that is currently beingdisplayed, and with the rectangles not shown in solid reflecting abackground state of that icon showing the other screen views that exist,but that are not currently being displayed. Thus, each one of theadjacent screen view icons or frames is associated with one of the ofprimary interface screen views in a one-to-one correspondence, and onlyone of the screen view icons is displayed as active at any given time inaccordance with the primary interface screen view being displayed at thegiven time. In certain implementations, the controller 50 may beconfigured such that the screen view icons are selectable, and selectionof a given one of the screen view icons will cause the primary interfacescreen view associated with the given screen view icon to be displayed.The alert section provides four different alert icons, representing fourdifferent alerts, namely a Generic Alert icon, a Printer Alert icon, aPlanogram Alert icon and a Network Connectivity alert icon.

The Generic Alert icon 100A will flash (e.g., red) when one or morealert messages occurs (e.g., a product recall message is available, orother alert not addressed by a more specific alert icon). Touching theicon will cause the message to be displayed. The icon will remain white(e.g., not flashing) when there are no active generic alert messages.

The Printer Alert icon 100B will flash (e.g., red) when there is aprinter issue such as the label cassette is open or the printer is outof labels. Touching the icon will cause the message to be displayed. Theicon will remain white (e.g., not flashing) when no message exists.

The Planogram icon 100C will flash (e.g. red) when a planogram image isavailable. Touching the icon will cause the planogram image to bedisplayed. The icon will remain white (e.g., not flashing) after theplanogram image has been viewed.

The Network Connectivity icon 100D will either display a hard wired iconor will show bar strength for a wireless connection. If connectivity islost, the background of the scale application will be red and the iconwill be red and flashing.

Notably, the capacity string 94 and the metrology bar 80 may beconnected in the control software design. All required active screeninformation from Weights & Measures is within these two lines. Foroperator ease, the PLU # field 82A and item description field 82B areside by side. All PLU information is viewed in the top half of thescreen view, helping the operator concentrate in a smaller area. In FIG.7, the PLU # field is outlined in and offset color (e.g., blue ratherthan white), because in this image the cursor is in the PLU # fielddesignating it as the active field, helping the operator know where thescale is and if it's expecting a command. The product tracking line orrow 84 contains information that is commonly used in Deli/Meat/Seafooddepartments, but that is generally not necessary for a bakery or afloral department. These fields 84A, 84B and 84C can be hidden, as willbe described in more detail below, thus making the overall screen layoutmore effective for departments not needing this information.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, exemplary primary interface screen views70B are shown in which a major portion of the view is a dynamic contentarea 110 that can be set to display multiple different sets of content.For example, in FIG. 9 the dynamic content area displays customizedflashkeys, which may be varied/selected as described further below, fordifferent item types that can be selected to retrieve furtherinformation regarding such item types, such as flashkeys for specificPLUs. In FIG. 10 the dynamic content area displays item PLU #s and namesfor a plurality of items (e.g., as flashkeys), which may bevaried/selected as described further below. Selection of a PLU key fromthe view in FIG. 10 may function to load the corresponding PLU data intothe PLU fields 82 of primary interface screen view 70A, even though thatprimary interface screen view is not being viewed. Likewise, in certainimplementations, such selection of a PLU key from the view of FIG. 10may also cause an automatic transition to screen view 70A. In FIG. 11the dynamic content area displays a web browser that the operator canuse to retrieve/view information.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an exemplary interface screen view 70C isshown. Notably, unlike the screen views 70A and 70B, the displayed fieldin screen view 70C are fixed and cannot be modified. Screen view 70Cincludes a discount pricing line 120 (e.g., UPC, DISCOUNT UNIT PRICE,DISCOUNT TOTAL PRICE and SAVINGS fields), a product life display region122 (e.g. SHELF LIFE and PRODUCT LIFE), label information displayregions 124 (e.g., LABEL STOCK, PRIMARY LABEL ID and PRIMARY GRAPHIC IDdisplay fields) and 126 (e.g., ADDITIONAL LABEL ID and ADDITIONALGRAPHIC ID display fields), additional product information displayregion 128 (e.g., displaying EXPANDED TEXT, RECIPE, COOKING INSTRUCTIONSand/or ALLERGENS information, each with an associated print icon thatcan be used by the operator to print the information) and nutritionfacts panel display region 130 (e.g., having an associated print icon132 that can be used to print a nutrition facts label). The data for thefields on screen view 70C is automatically retrieved and loaded basedupon the PLU # entered by the operator on screen view 70A, so that thedata is ready and available for the operator when the operator shifts toscreen view 70C.

Notably, also present in each of the screen views 70B and 70C, are thecapacity string 94, ZERO indicator 96 (not shown in screen view 70Cbecause the screen view presumes an item on the weighing scale), thescreen view location indicator 98, the alert indicator section 100, thescale operating mode indicator 102 and the date and time indicator 104.Moreover, screen views 70B and 70C also include the menu button/icon 86and the home button/icon 88. Thus, as between the multiple screen views70A, 70B and 70C there is a degree of similarity based upon certainfixed features that are common between the screen views, and a degree ofdifference based upon other features that are not common between theviews. Thus, the scale provides a unique and desirable interfacearrangement.

In particular, the controller 50 is operably coupled to the operatorinterface 18 to affect display of information thereon, with thecontroller configured such that multiple primary interface screen views(e.g., 70A, 70B and 70C) are made available for operator use. Each ofthe primary interface screen views includes: (i) a plurality of fixedfeatures (e.g., features 86, 88, 94, 96, 98 100, 102 and/or 104), thatare common among all the primary interface screen views, where eachfixed feature resides in a common location in each of the primaryinterface screen views, and (ii) other features that are not common withthe other primary interface screen views. The most prominent of thefixed features include the home button/icon 88 and menu button/icon 86.Notably, the controller 50 may be configured such that one of the screenviews 70A, 70B and 70C is designated as a home interface screen view.Triggering the home button/icon 88 from either of the non-home interfacescreen views causes a transition back to display of the designated homeinterface screen view. The controller 50 may be configured such thatdesignation of the home interface screen view can be changed as betweenat least two of the primary interface screen views as reflected in FIGS.13-16. Likewise, the controller may be configured such that the scaleautomatically boots to the designated home screen upon start-up.

FIG. 13 shows an initial pop-up window 140 that appears upon operatortriggering of the menu button/icon 86, which includes the followingitems menu icon 142, search icon 144, language toggle icon 146, helpicon 148 and shutdown icon 150, with a default selection of the menuicon 142 (e.g., as reflected by the surrounding frame of the icon 142being offset in a different color (e.g., blue) than the frame colors(e.g., white of the other icons). This default selection results in thesimultaneous display of an operator pages button 152, a supervisor pagesbutton 154 and a service pages button 156, with the operator pagesbutton 152 selected as default. This default button selection results inthe display of various operator task buttons 158. In the exemplaryembodiment, the home screen view selection is made by way of thesupervisor pages button 154, the selection of which causes the windowview to change as reflected in FIG. 14 to present a number of supervisortask buttons 160, including a scale operations button 160A designated asNormal Operations. Selection of button 160A causes the screen view todisplay the data shown in FIG. 15, which includes a task selection bar162 with buttons for Product 162A, Scale Access 162B, System 162C,Flashkeys 162D, Network 162E, Features 162F and Accumulate 162G, wherethe Product button 162A is the default selection. By selection of theSystem button 162C the display transitions to that shown in FIG. 16,which presents numerous system features that can be modified, includinga Home panel feature 164 with a drop down menu 166 that allows selectionof which screen view (here referred to as a “panel”) is the designatedhome screen view that is associated with the home button/icon 88. InFIG. 16 the center screen view 70A is designated as the home screenview, but an alternate screen view can be selected from the drop downmenu. Notably, where more than two primary interface screen views areprovided, the controller may be configured such that less than all ofthose screen views can be designated as the home screen view. Forexample, in the above described embodiment including with primaryinterface screen views 70A, 70B and 70C, only screen views 70A and 70Bmay be selectable as the home interface screen view, while screen view70C cannot be designates as the home interface screen view. The purposeof including this limit is where one or more of the primary interfacescreen views is limited in its usefulness to the operator (e.g., as inthe described embodiment where interface screen view 70C is only usefulif a PLU number has been entered in order to retrieve and load data intothe fields of screen view 70C).

Referring again to the fixed features common to interface screen viewsas described above, a method of achieving this operator interfacearrangement involves: identifying a set of critical interface features(i.e., to be the fixed features, such any of features 86, 88, 94, 96, 98100, 102 and/or 104, or others that may be suitable), incorporating thecritical features into at least a first interface screen view (e.g.,view 70A) and a second interface screen view (e.g., view 70B) that arepresentable to operators via the operator interface in a manner thatenables operators to switch between the first interface screen view andthe second interface screen view, identifying a first set of primaryfeatures for the first interface screen view, the first set of primaryfeatures focused on a primary function of the first interface screenview (e.g., the metrology bar 80 of interface screen view 70A for use inweighing), incorporating the first set of primary features into thefirst interface screen view, identifying a second set of primaryfeatures for the second interface screen view, the second set of primaryfeatures focused on a primary function of the second interface screenview (e.g., the dynamic content area 110 of screen view 70B for use byoperators to obtain information) and incorporating the second set ofprimary features into the second interface screen view.

As mentioned above, various techniques may be used to transition betweenthe multiple primary interface screen views. Where the operatorinterface 18 is formed by a touch-sensitive display, the controller 50may configured to enable transition from one primary interface screenview to another primary interface screen view via a swiping operationalong the display in one of a horizontal direction or a verticaldirection. In one example of such an arrangement, and referring again toFIG. 4, the touch-sensitive display includes a viewing area reflected bythe rectangular area of the display device or screen 58, and atouch-sensitive member 60 with a primary portion 60A that overlies theviewing area 58 and a secondary portion 60B (e.g., shown with stipplingin FIG. 4 and framing the viewing area 58) that is external of theviewing area. In this arrangement, swiping operations can be achievedusing the secondary portion 60B of the touch-sensitive member 60.

FIG. 17 shows an exploded partial view of one example of the operatorinterface including both the touch-screen panel 60 and the displayscreen 58, as well as housing components 170, 172 and circuitrypanel/component 174. Primary portion 60A and secondary portion 60B ofthe touch-sensitive panel are both shown. The touch-sensitive member maybe formed by a plate (e.g., glass or plastic) with a perimeter portionthat is opaque so as to frame an interior portion that is transparent.Here, the perimeter portion defines the secondary portion 60B and theinterior portion defines the primary portion 60A. The interior portionof the glass plate aligns with the display screen 58 positioned behindthe glass plate. A printed layer is applied to a back side of the glassplate to achieve opaqueness of the perimeter portion 60B. In addition tothe opaqueness, the printing may be used to apply fixed visible indiciaon the back side of the glass plate to indicate swipe functionalityoutside the perimeter of the interface viewing area. As best seen inFIG. 18, where the visible indicia takes the form of left and rightswipe arrows 176 and 178. However, the indicia could take other forms(e.g., such as verbal indicia indicating Swipe Here) or a swiping barthat extends the full width of the viewing area. In the example of FIG.18, the primary portion 60A of the touch sensitive plate is shown asblank and aligns with the viewing area of the display. The remainingportions of the touch sensitive plate are shown with cross-hatch markingand represent the portions of the plate that include printing on theback side. The remaining portions include the secondary portion 60Bimmediately surrounding the primary portion 60A and that is also touchsensitive, and a third portion 60C which frames the secondary portion60B and that is not touch-sensitive.

In the illustrated example, the secondary portion of the touch-sensitivepanel frames the entire viewing area, thereby enabling swipingoperations in any of those regions immediately adjacent the viewingarea. Thus, all such regions could include the swiping indicia mentionedabove. However, it is recognized that the secondary portion need notnecessarily frame the entire viewing area (e.g., it could be locatedonly above and below or only to the left and right sides of the viewingarea). Providing the swiping area external of the viewing area isparticularly useful where, as is the case in the illustrated example,the viewing area is largely covered with selectable fields, making itdifficult to swipe within the viewing area without inadvertentlyselecting a field.

Referring again to FIGS. 7-12, and as alluded to above, each primaryinterface screen view is at the ready. When a PLU number is entered, forexample in primary interface screen view 70A, data is automaticallyloaded into interface screen view 70C (e.g., in RAM) so that if anoperator swipes to transition to screen view 70C, that screen view 70Cwill contain the loaded information immediately upon viewing. Moreover,when an operator swipes to transition away from, for example, apopulated primary interface screen view 70A (e.g., per the view shown inFIG. 8) to one of the other views 70B or 70C, and then subsequentlyswipes to transition back to the primary interface screen view 70A, theprimary screen view 70A returns as a populated view (i.e., the PLU baseddata that was previously loaded remains in the screen view 70A forviewing).

Thus, in such an embodiment, the controller is configured such that iteminformation retrieved and displayed on the item weigh primary interfacescreen remains populated when an operator transitions from the itemweigh primary interface screen view (e.g., in this case screen view 70A)to another primary interface screen view (e.g., in this case screen view70B or 70C) and back again. Moreover, screen view 70C represents asupplementary product information primary interface screen view thatincludes additional product-related display fields (e.g., 120, 122, 128and 130) and when identity data regarding an item to be weighed isentered by the operator at the item weigh primary interface screen view(e.g., PLU entered at screen view 70A) the controller is configured sothat it automatically retrieves and loads the additional product-relateddisplay fields with data even though the supplementary productinformation primary interface screen view is not being displayed on theoperator interface. Notably, these features of implementations usingmultiple primary interface screen views (i.e., the automatic retrieveand load feature, and screen view data remaining populated even after atransition away from the screen view) enhance overall operatorinteraction with, and ease of use of the scale.

As used herein, the terminology “remains populated” when referring tothe information and/or data of a screen view is intended to broadlyencompass the situation in which the information and/or data is stillpresented on the screen view when the operator returns to the screenview. Thus, in one example, the information and/or data remainspopulated as a result of the information and/or data never being removedfrom the fields of the screen view (e.g., even when the screen view isnot being displayed or when a pop-up window is being displayed over thescreen view). In another example, the information and/or data remainspopulated as result of being temporarily removed from the fields of thescreen view and stored (e.g., upon transition away from the screen viewor upon over display of a pop-up window on the screen view) until theinformation and/or data is later automatically loaded into the fields ofthe screen view (e.g., as triggered by a call to return to display ofthe screen view or as triggered by a call to close the pop-up windowthat is displayed over the screen view).

In addition, and referring specifically to FIGS. 13 and 14, in certainembodiments, the item weigh primary interface screen view (e.g., 70A)includes a selectable menu icon (e.g., 86). As noted above, selection ofthe menu icon triggers display of an menu interface pop-up window (e.g.,140) over the item weigh primary interface screen view, which causes thefields of the item weigh primary interface screen view to no longer beselectable. An operator can access many types of supplementalinformation through the pop-up window 140, as well as perform otherfunctions. When the operator is finished with the information look-up,the pop-up window 140 can be closed (e.g., as by hitting the home buttonor hitting the screen anywhere outside of the pop-up window 140),leaving the item weigh primary interface screen view 70A presented onthe screen with its fields again in a selectable state. Thus, in such animplementation, the controller is configured such that item informationretrieved and displayed on the item weigh primary interface screen viewremains populated when an operator temporarily accesses and then closesthe menu interface window. Again, this feature facilitates enhancedoperation of the scale, enabling an operator to, for example, look-upinformation in the middle of a weighing process without having torestart the weighing process (e.g., reenter the PLU#) once theinformation look-up is completed.

Thus, an advantageous method of facilitating user access to informationduring performance of a weighing operation using a scale is provided.The method involves the scale receiving identity data regarding an itemto be weighed (e.g., based upon operator enters a PLU# via the displayedkeypad or selects a displayed PLU flashkey). The scale responsivelydisplays on an item weigh primary interface screen view retrieved iteminformation for the given item (e.g., PLU #, unit price, product nameetc.) in at least one product-related display field on the item weighprimary interface screen view. The interface subsequently transitions(e.g., responsive to an operator swiping operation or menu buttonselection) from display of the item weigh primary interface screen viewto one of a different primary interface screen view (e.g., 70B or 70C)or a menu interface window displayed over the item weigh primaryinterface screen view (e.g., pop-up window 140). The interfacesubsequently again transitions (e.g., responsive to another swipe or topop-up window closure) back to display of the item weigh primaryinterface screen view, with the retrieved item information for the givenitem continuing to be displayed in the product-related display field.The operator is thereafter able to complete the weighing operation thathad been initiated.

In order to facilitate ease of operator use, one or more of the screenviews may be adjustable according to, for example, store preference oroperator preference. In this regard, and referring to the item weighprimary interface screen views shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the scalecontroller may be configured to enable straightforward and simple screenview format adjustment. By way of example, in FIGS. 7 and 8 the keypadarea 92 is located in the lower right quadrant or corner of the screenview. As shown in FIG. 13, selection of the menu button/icon generates apop-up window 140 initially displaying operator pages, but including asupervisor pages button 154 that can be selected to access differentfunctions per FIG. 14. This window displays only the most usedsupervisor functions, but additional functions can be accessed byselecting the all functions button/icon 180 in the bottom right cornerof the pop-up window, which selection generates a larger pop-up windowdisplay 182 as shown in FIG. 19. Among the various options available isa Move Layout button/icon 184.

Selection of the Move Layout button/icon 184 causes the display of thelayout adjustment screen view shown in FIG. 20. As shown, two groups ofbuttons, keys and/or fields 186, 188 are shown with a defined outline(e.g., a surrounding yellow box) or other set-off indicator to alert thesupervisor that these two parts of the screen view can be moved. Thesupervisor can select either grouping and simply drag the grouping inorder to move its position on the screen view.

In particular, by selecting the keypad grouping 186 and dragging it tothe left side of the screen view, the position of the keypad grouping186 will snap to a new position at the left side of the screen view andat the same time the product tracking information line 84, menu 86 andhome 88 buttons and the dynamic content area 90 will automatically shiftto the right. By selecting grouping 188, which includes the metrologybar 80, capacity string 94, zero indicator 96, screen view locationindicator 98, alert indicator section 100, mode selection 102 and date104, and dragging the grouping 188 toward the bottom of the screen view,the grouping will snap to a new position along the bottom of the screenview, but with the relative vertical positioning of the metrology bar 80and the other parts of the grouping reversed (i.e., the metrology barabove the capacity string 94, zero indicator 96, screen view locationindicator 98, alert indicator section 100, mode selection 102 and date104). At the same time the other parts of the screen view will beautomatically shifted upwards slightly. The result of both layoutadjustments is reflected in the screen view shown in FIG. 21. When thesupervisor is done, in order to exit the layout adjustment screen, thesupervisor simply triggers the home button. Triggering of the homebutton saves any changes made. Generally, tapping off screen will returnclose any pop-up or other adjustment window without saving changes thathave been made.

Thus, the scale controller is configured to enable adjustment of theitem weigh primary interface screen view by dragging and dropping atleast one grouping of displayed fields and/or icons in order to shiftthe grouping from one location on the item weigh primary interfacescreen view to another location on the item weigh primary interfacescreen view. The controller is also configured to effect automatedadjustment of locations of other parts of the item weigh primaryinterface screen view to accommodate the shift of the grouping.

As mentioned above, a snap to location feature is used in connectionwith the drag and drop of the groupings 186, 188, meaning that thegroupings cannot be moved to any desired location on the screen view.Instead, the scale controller is configured such that the locations atwhich the groupings can be moved are predefined locations. In the caseof the grouping 188, in the illustrated embodiment the locations areeither a top of screen view location and or a bottom of screen viewlocation. In the case of the grouping 186, the locations are either aright side of screen view location or a left side of screen viewlocation. As reflected in FIG. 21, the shifting of the grouping 188 fromthe top of screen view location to the bottom of screen view locationwill also automatically result in a slight movement of the keypadgrouping 186. However, each grouping is movable independently of theother.

With respect to the keypad grouping 186, adjustment as between left andright side of screen view locations, it is noted that such adjustment isparticularly useful to accommodate both left-handed and right-handedoperators. That is, left-handed operators may typically prefer thekeypad grouping 186 to be on the left side of the screen view andright-handed operators may typically prefer the keypad grouping 188 tobe on the right side of screen view.

As noted above, in the described embodiment the controller is configuredto enable adjustment of the position of each grouping via a drag anddrop operation by setting each group as an active field group enablingthe drag and drop. However, other variations are possible, such asdisplay of a toggle button for each grouping (e.g., a left/right togglefor grouping 186 and a top/bottom toggle for grouping 188). Moreover,while the adjustment function is described as a supervising operatorfunction, it is recognized that in some embodiments it could also beimplemented as a non-supervisor type operator function. When all layoutadjustment operations are complete, pressing the home button 88 willexit the adjustment screen view of FIG. 20.

As noted above, certain areas of the screen view may be dynamic contentareas. In particular, and referring to the item weigh interface screenview as shown in FIG. 22, dynamic content area 90 includes a set offlash keys, but the content of such area can be adjusted. Moreover, thekeypad area 92 and the product tracking information line 84 can also beconsidered dynamic in that such areas can either be eliminated orcontent display modified. By way of example, and referring to FIG. 19,where the supervisor selects the Change Fields button/icon 190, thescale controller effects display of the adjustment interface screen view200 of FIG. 23. The dynamic content area 90 will display whatevercontent is currently set for the area, which in this case is a webbrowser interface. Fields that that have a square box 202 in the upperright hand corner can be hidden by simply pressing inside the box wherean “x” appears. In this case, the Sell By, COOL, Best Before and PackedOn fields can all be hidden. Notably, the fields can each beindividually and selectively hidden on a case by case basis (i.e., thefields are not an all or nothing). If each of the COOL, Best Before, andPacked On fields are hidden, the scale controller auto adjusts thedynamic content area 90 to be larger so as to fill the space previouslytaken up by the now hidden fields, as shown in FIG. 24. Thus, the scalecontroller is configured to effect automatic adjustment of a displaysize of one dynamic content area to fill the space previously taken byanother dynamic content area that becomes hidden or removed from thescreen view. If only one or two of the three fields is hidden, then thedynamic content area 90 remains at the smaller size. Thus, in theillustrated example, all of the display fields immediately above dynamiccontent area 90 must be hidden or turned off in order for the scalecontroller to effect adjustment of the display size of dynamic contentarea 90.

Returning to FIG. 23, areas that have customizable options have thetoggle arrows 204 in the upper right hand corner. Pressing an arrow willmove the supervisor through whatever the available display options forthat specific area (e.g., web browser, flashkeys or best seller keys fordynamic content area). By way of example, in FIG. 24 the dynamic contentarea 90 displays a web browser page and a keypad is displayed alongsidethe web browser page, whereas in FIG. 25 the dynamic content area 90displays function flash keys and a set of item best seller flash keys isdisplayed alongside the function flash keys. When content adjustmentsare completed in the adjustment screen view 200 of FIG. 23, pressing thehome button 88 will exit the adjustment screen view and save theadjustments.

In an arrangement such as that shown in FIG. 25 with best seller flashkeys displayed instead of the keypad, when an operator activates a field(e.g., such the PLU field), the scale controller automatically displaysthe keypad instead of the best seller flash keys to allow an operator toenter a PLU number. When used in prepack mode, this same area 292 maydisplay, for example, run totals for the prepack operation.

With respect to flash keys, a variety of different options exist, andthe scale controller enables operator adjustment of the specific flashkeys that are displayed. In this regard, referring to FIG. 13, afterpressing the menu button 86 the operator can select the Flashkey Editorbutton/icon 220, in which case the screen view 222 shown in FIG. 26 willbe presented. Screen view 222 presents existing flashkeys and availablespaces at 224, which are associated with the dynamic content area 90(the number of flashkeys and the grid layout is configured in theSupervisor Mode), and presents available flashkey options at 226.Numerous flashkey options may exist, such as any of the following: (1)Select Product/Specific PLU—This function will load the information forthe PLU assigned to this flashkey; (2) Load Softkey Group—Takes theoperator to another set of flashkeys; (3) Load Category—Takes theoperator to another set of flashkeys containing subcategories and itemsthat have been assigned to the specified category; (4) Print Label—Alabel will print if a product is entered and weighed; (5) PlatterTare—Allows the operator to adjust the platter tare; (6) Percent OffDiscount—allows the operator to apply Percent Off Discounts; (7) ResetPrice—Allows the operator to reset the price of a product to itsoriginal value; (8) Home Panel—Takes the operator to the Configured HomePanel; (9) Search—Takes the operator to Search Screen; (10) OperatorLogin—This will login the operator; (11) Show Expanded Text—Displays theexpanded text field on the operator screen; (12) Show Expanded Text2—Displays the expanded text 2 field on the operator screen; (13) ShowRecipe—Displays the recipe field on the operator screen; (14) ShowCooking Instructions—Displays the cooking instructions field on theoperator screen; (15) Show Suggestive Sell—Displays the suggestiveselling field on the operator screen; (16) Show Allergens—Displays theAllergens field on the operator screen; (17) Label Data—Takes theoperator to the Label Data Screen; (18) Product & Shelf Life—Takes theoperator to the Product and Shelf Life Screen; (19) PrinterSettings—Takes the operator to the Printer Settings Window; (20) TotalTypes—Takes the operator to the Total Types Window; (21) ExpirationHistory—Takes the operator to the Expiration Label Window; (22)COOL—Takes the operator to the Create COOL Window; (23) VoidTransaction—Takes the operator to the Void Transaction Window; (24)Preset Tares—Enters a preset tare value into the tare field; (25) BrowseWeb—Takes the operator to the default internet web address, ifavailable; (26) Operator logout—This will logout the current operatorand set the scale for the next operator to login; (27) LoadSpecials—Takes the operator to another set of flashkeys sorted byspecials; (28) Store Applications—Enter Applications URL, ability toinclude CGI parameters; (29) Production Planning—PP URL, ability toinclude CGI parameters; (30) Print New Shelf Life Label—Prints a newshelf life label for the active PLU; (31) Print Multiple Labels—Allowsscale to print multiple labels for active PLU; (32) ChangeLanguage—Enables screen to toggle from primary language to secondarylanguage; (33) Print Existing Shelf Life Label—Prints an existing shelflife label for the active PLU; (34) Load Best Sellers—shows the bestselling products based upon historical data; and (35) Show AccumulateItems—displays the list of accumulated items on operator screen.

The operator can select from the pre-determined flashkey list 226, touchthe desired flashkey and drag it to an open key space 224 on the grid,as reflected in FIG. 27 where the Existing Shelf Life Label flashkey 230has been added. The key color background can then be set using the dropdown menu 232 under the Background Color designation 234 as shown inFIG. 28. Once the desired flashkeys have been set, the operator pressesthe home button 88 and the adjusted flashkey grid will be applied to thedynamic content area 90 of the item weigh primary interface screen view.

Referring again to FIG. 14, a supervising operator can also make certainflashkey adjustment by selecting the Flashkeys button/icon 240. Becausesuch an adjustment is considered a common supervisor task, thebutton/icon 240 is made available on the opening pop-up window 140,without requiring the supervisor to press the All Functions button/icon180. Triggering the Flashkeys button/icon results in display of theflashkey set-up screen view 242 shown in FIG. 29. The Feature drop downmenu 244 enables selection one of multiple groupings of flashkeys to beconfigured (e.g., the flashkeys for the primary interface screen view70B, the flashkeys for the dynamic content area 90 of the primaryinterface screen view 70A, the flashkeys associated with the tare fieldof the primary interface screen view 70A (i.e., flashkeys that show upin the dynamic content area when the Tare field 80B is selected) or theflashkeys that fill the keypad area of the primary interface screen view70A when the keypad is hidden). Depending upon which grouping isselected, the displayed grid 246 will auto-adjust to the amount of spaceavailable for that grouping. Adjustment of the number of rows or columnsof flashkeys is achieved by selection of the appropriate row or columnplus buttons 248, 250 and minus buttons 252, 254. If there is a desirethat a specific flashkey take up more space horizontally or vertically,selection of the appropriate row span or column span plus buttons 256,258 or minus buttons 260, 262. For example, to make a specific flashkeyhorizontally take the space of two cells, the row span plus button 256would be triggered. Once the grid is set up as desired, the supervisorselects the Create New Cell button 264, which causes the flashkey listto be displayed. Desired flashkeys can then be selected for drag anddrop to the desired grid location.

Referring again to FIG. 13, a convenient process for changing thedisplay language of the scale is described. In particular, pressing themenu button/icon 86 brings up the pop-window 140, which includes thelanguage toggle button/icon 146. Selection of button/icon 146 causes thescale to immediately toggle to a default second language and return tothe designate home screen. By way of example, the scale can be set up totoggle between English/Spanish or English/French. This process onlyrequires the operator only to press two buttons to change the language.By contrast, in current scales, the operator must drill down 3-5 layersto change this setting. Notably, only the user interface portion of thescreen view shifts languages, the data that has been uploaded to thescale and that may be displayed in certain fields or locations remainsin whatever language it was uploaded. Also, in one implementation, theunit of measure and the language are not connected. For example, whenchanging to French, the measurement does not auto change tometric/kilograms.

A search button/icon 144 is also included in the pop-up window 140 andcan be used to carry out an item/PLU search. The length of time tocomplete a search is drastically reduced in the present scale (e.g., inprior scales from 60-90 seconds, while in the present scale within 2-5seconds). An operator can search using letters, numbers or a combinationof both, whereas in prior art scales they could only search on alpha ornumeric, but not a combination. In the present scale the operator canenter as many letters/numbers as necessary. Upon selecting the searchbutton/icon 144, the search screen view 270 shown in FIG. 30 isdisplayed. Notably, such search screen view is populated with a QWERTYkeyboard to facilitate user typing of the search request. As theoperator begins to type, a search list 272 is populated and continues toevolve as more characters are added, as suggested in FIGS. 31 and 32. Assuggested in FIG. 33, the operator can select the desired item (e.g.,item 274) when it appears in the list, which automatically loads PLUdata into the item weigh primary interface screen view 70A and returnsthe display to such view as per FIG. 34.

As noted above, a touch-screen display may be used in connection withthe scale, and it may be of the color-type to enhance the operatorexperience and functionality. Scale purchasers in the grocery andsupermarket industry focus on ease of use, reliability and durability.As is the case with any touch-screen display, the life span of thedisplay is limited. However, certain features may be implemented by thescale controller so as to extend the display life or, in other words,reduce the number of maintenance and/or warranty claims. By way ofexample, the scale controller may be configured to effect a normalbrightness setting during operator interaction with the touch-sensitivedisplay. After a set time period without interaction, the scalecontroller implements a dimmed brightness setting for thetouch-sensitive display. The dimmed brightness setting effectivelyenhances the overall working life of the display. In order to achievethis desirable result without adversely impacting scale function, duringthe dimmed brightness setting, one or more selectable icons or fields onthe touch-sensitive display remain live and ready for operatorselection. As used herein an icon or field remaining “live” is intendedto mean that the icon or field can be immediately triggered by contactwith the screen in the vicinity of the icon or field. That is to say,unlike known screen dimming functions which require two touches for userinteraction (i.e., one touch to “wake” the screen function and anothertouch to then select an icon or field on the screen), the scaleimplemented as described above enables immediate operator activity by asingle touch, making the scale more straightforward for operator use.

In one implementation, during the dimmed brightness setting and uponoperator selection of the selectable icon or field, the selection of theselectable icon or field is automatically captured and a transition tothe normal brightness setting is automatically effected. Moreover, thecontroller may also be configured such that, during the dimmedbrightness setting, and upon detection of item placement on the weighingstation of the scale (e.g., as determined by an output change of a loadcell associated with the weighing station), a transition to the normalbrightness setting is automatically effected.

Multiple stages of dimmed brightness may be implemented by the scalecontroller. For example, a first dimmed brightness setting (e.g., 60% ofnormal) may be initiated after a first set time period without scaleinteraction (e.g., 2 minutes). A second dimmed brightness setting (e.g.,40% of normal or other value less bright than the first setting) may beimplemented after a second set time period without any scale interaction(e.g., 4 minutes or other time period longer than the first timeperiod). In another example, the scale controller may be configured toeffect a multi-tier dimming operation that includes transition to adimmed brightness setting after a set time period and shut down of thedisplay after a further time period, where upon shutdown of the displayno selectable icons are active.

Notably, the scale may enable adjustment, via the operator interface, ofone or more of the normal brightness setting, the dimmed brightnesssetting or the set time periods. In particular, and referring again toFIG. 19, in the supervisor menu the supervising operator selects theSetup utility button 300, which produces the adjustment screen view 302shown in FIG. 35. The brightness of both the customer display and theoperator display can be adjusted by selecting the appropriate button 304or 306, and then using the up down arrows 308, 310 to define the percentof max brightness. These adjustments set the brightness level for normaloperation, but not the amount of dimming. In one example, the dimminglevel may be predefined to trigger off of the normal brightness setting.For example, if the normal brightness is set to 90% of maximumbrightness, and the predefined dimming level is 60% of normal, then thepredefined dimming level will be 54% of the maximum brightness. Inanother example, the dimming level may be predefined to trigger off ofthe max brightness, regardless of the normal setting. For example, thepredefined dimming level may be 60% of max, regardless of where thenormal brightness setting is established. In an alternative embodiment,the dimming level could also be adjusted by the supervising operator ina similar manner. Notably, a lower limit on the normal brightnessadjustment may be set in order to assure that the interface can beviewed sufficiently to allow interaction and control of the scale (i.e.,so that the operator does not lose the ability to interact with thescale through the touch-screen display).

Referring now to FIG. 14, by selecting the Display Options button/icon312, the supervising operator will be presented with the adjustmentscreen view 314 shown in FIG. 36. By selecting the Operator Displayoption 316, the supervising operator can then enter the number ofminutes of non-use of the scale (e.g., minutes without a weight outputand/or minutes without a touch-screen interaction) that will cause thedimming operation to be implemented.

Thus, the scale is configured to enable a unique method of operationthat involves utilizing a first brightness (e.g., a normal brightness)setting for operation of the touch-sensitive display (e.g., duringnormal operator interaction with the scale). Thereafter, an automatictransition to utilization of a second brightness setting for operationof the touch-sensitive display is made, where the second brightnesssetting is lower than the first brightness setting (e.g., for thepurpose of improving operating life of the touch-sensitive display).During utilization of the second brightness setting, the scalecontroller continues to monitor a touch-sensitive surface of thetouch-sensitive display for operator selection of one or more displayedicons or fields and, upon operator selection of a given displayed iconor field, the selection is captured. The step of automaticallytransitioning to utilization of the second brightness setting may betriggered by monitoring one or more scale functions or, moreappropriately, the inactivity of such functions. For example, a lack ofoperator interaction with the touch-sensitive display for a specifiedtime period may trigger dimming and/or a lack of item weighing by theweighing station for a specified time period may trigger the dimming.

Regardless, as mentioned above the icons and fields of the operatorinterface display remain live, and upon operator selection of the givendisplayed icon or field, the scale controller may cause an automatictransition back to the first brightness setting for operation of thetouch-sensitive display. Thus, the display “wakes-up” whilesimultaneously capturing the operator screen selection. Likewise, duringutilization of the second brightness setting, and upon detection of itemplacement on the weighing station (e.g., as indicated by load celloutput), the scale controller may cause an automatic transition back tothe first brightness setting for operation of the touch-sensitivedisplay.

In terms of the dimming operation, in one embodiment the customer facingdisplay is not dimmed when the operator display is dimmed. This isparticularly useful when the customer facing display is being used tocommunicate information to customers even when the scale is not in use,which will be described in more detail below.

In order to facilitate marketing operations via scales in thesupermarket, it is possible for videos to be displayed on the customerfacing interface or display 22. In one embodiment, multiple differentvideos may be stored in scale memory and played in sequence. However,because the customer facing interface must, at times be used fordisplaying weigh and price information, a controlled interruption andrestart of the sequence is implemented. More specifically, the scalecontroller 50 may be configured such that upon operator initiation of anitem weigh and price operation during display of a specific video,display of the specific video is stopped and item weigh and priceinformation is displayed on the customer interface. By way of example,operator initiation of the item weigh and price operation may betriggered via an item being placed on the weighing station for weighing(e.g., as indicated by load cell output).

Upon completion of the item weigh and price operation, display of adifferent video is automatically initiated on the customer interface(i.e., without completing or restarting the specific video that wasinterrupted). By way of example, the different video may be the videothat sequentially follows the specific video in the defined sequence,and completion of the item weigh and price operation is triggered via alabel printing operation. In this manner, the scale is operated to avoidconfusion that might be caused by starting a video midstream, and toassure that the same video is not continually restarted during timeperiods when the scale is being used heavily.

With respect to the sequence of videos played on the scale, in oneembodiment the sequence may be established by a playlist that can bemodified via the operator interface. In particular, and referring toFIG. 37, the adjustment interface screen view 314 is shown with theCustomer Display option 318 triggered. From this screen the supervisingoperator can modify any one of (i) lag time, if any, between non-use ofscale and beginning to display the videos, (ii) customer displaylanguage, (iii) the playlist being used, (iv) the Layout (which allowsyou to choose from among different background images for the customerdisplay when in the metrology displaying mode) and (v) the volumeassociated with the video display. By selecting the arrow buttons/icon320 the supervising operator can select an alternate playlist from adrop down menu. By selecting the Edit button/icon 322, the supervisorcan edit the identified playlist, which may be in the form of a textfile. Thus, in one example, by editing the text file the supervisingoperator may modify one or both of the plurality of customer informationvideos or the defined sequence to be varied by modifying the playlist inthe text file.

Depending upon the location of the scale within a store, the need forcertain functions can vary widely. For example, a scale located in theback-room may not make use of the customer video play function (i.e.,that function may be turned off). Likewise, the manner in which thescale is used may vary depending upon store type and location within thestore. Different scale modes are provided for this reason. For somedepartments, changing the mode of the scale can happen many times a day.

There are primarily two distinct scale modes, namely Manual and Prepack.However, some scales may include an additional Self Service mode aswell. In the Manual mode single transactions (e.g., each weigh, priceand label print is a single operation that is not related to anypreceding or following weigh and price operation). A majority of scaleactivity is typically carried out in the Manual mode. In the Prepackmode multiple transactions are carried out, and this mode is most oftenused in back of store meat rooms. In the Prepack mode the operatorenters a PLU, places the product on the scale for weighing and when theweight becomes stable the scale auto prints a label. The operator canthen place the next cut of meat under the same PLU on the scale and alabel auto prints. In the Self Service modes, customers in the store areable to individually weigh and price items.

In the case of the present scale, the transition between Manual andPrepack modes, and in some cases the Self Service mode, is facilitatedby the mode selection button/icon 102 that is presented on the primaryinterface screen view 70A (FIG. 7). Selection of this button/icon 102produces the adjustment pop-up window 332 shown in FIG. 38. Window 332includes selections 334 and 336 for Manual and Prepack, and 337 for SelfService, enabling the operator to make a very simple transition betweenmodes. As shown, there are 3 types of Item Entry processes available aswell, namely Normal, Accumulate Items and Production Entry. The Normalitem entry type involves single transactions as described above. TheAccumulate Items entry type is used when multiple PLU's are sold in onetransaction (bakery, meal counters, etc.). In this entry type theoperator enters all PLU's, and the scale prints one label and gives atotal price. The Production Entry entry type allows the operator toprint multiple labels of the same PLU (for example, the operator canprint 15 labels for 6 count white cupcakes). The Accumulate Items andProduction Entry options are available on in Manual mode.

By way of example, when the Accumulate Items entry type is selected, theprimary interface screen view 70A of FIG. 39 is presented, with itementry field 340 presented in the dynamic content area 90. The operatorenters a PLU like normal using the keypad and presses enter 92B. Theentered information populates the item entry field 340 when the operatorpresses Add Item on the Accumulate Items portion of the screen. The PLUentry process is repeated until all items are entered. Advantageously,the present scale therefore provides the ability for the operator toview the accumulated item list on the main interface screen view.

As noted above with respect to FIG. 8, the item weigh and priceinterface screen view 70A may include a SELL BY field 82C. The presentscale may be configured to enable straightforward operator adjustment ofthat date. In particular, if the operator selects the SELL BY field 82C,the scale automatically modifies the screen view 70A to present the dateadjustment window 350 in the dynamic content area 90 as shown in FIG.40. The operator can then edit the date by selecting the actual day onthe calendar or by entering the number of days using the keypad. By wayof example, as seen in FIG. 41, the date has been adjusted from 12 daysto nine days. Once the modification is set (e.g., by pressing the enterbutton/icon 92B in this case), the scale controller immediately revertsback to the normal operating screen view 70A with the modified Sell Bydate information populated as per FIG. 41. Thus, the present scaleenables the operator to modify the sell by date information on the fly,during the weighing and pricing process, and without having to restartthe weighing and pricing process.

Referring again to FIG. 8, as noted above the set of fixed featuresincludes the icons in the alert indicator section 100. The Generic Alerticon 100A will flash (e.g., red) when one or more alert messages occurs(e.g., a product recall message is available, or other alert notaddressed by a more specific alert icon). Touching the icon will causethe message to be displayed. The icon will remain white (e.g., notflashing) when there are no active generic alert messages. This can be avaluable tool if used for food recalls—essentially notifying departmentsimmediately of recalls and giving retailers an additional form ofcommunication to ensure this recall is acted on immediately.

The Printer Alert icon 100B will flash (e.g., red) when there is aprinter issue such as the label cassette is open or the printer is outof labels. Touching the icon will cause the message to be displayed perFIG. 43 showing a pop-up message window 360 indicating that the labelcassette is open and providing instruction to address the problem. Ifthe operator hits the OK button 362, the window 360 will close, but theicon 100B will continued to flash (e.g., red) until the label cassetteis closed. The icon 100B will automatically revert to constant white andremain white (e.g., not flashing) when the label cassette is closed andthe error no longer exists.

The Planogram icon 100C will flash (e.g., red) when a new planogramimage first becomes available. Touching the icon 100C will cause apop-up window 392 to be displayed per FIG. 48. This window shows one ormore product area planogram options that are available for display, asper 394. Selecting a planogram option 394 highlights or otherwise setsthe planogram option 394 as the active option, and then selecting theView button 396 will cause a planogram image for that active option tobe displayed per FIG. 44 showing a large planogram image window 370.This feature can enable store management (e.g., corporate headquartersof a chain) to send new planogram photos or diagrams directly to thescale, allowing for immediate communication to the operator and aproviding close visual to enable reset of a counter display. Tappingoutside the window 370 will close the window. The icon will revert toconstant white (e.g., not flashing) after the image window 370 has beenviewed, but the planogram image will still remain available for laterviewing. In order to remove a specific planogram option, that option isselected in window 392 and then the Delete button 398 is selected.Tapping outside the window 392 will closed the window.

The Network Connectivity icon 100D will either display a hard wired iconor will show bar strength for a wireless connection. When the scaleloses network connection and goes off-line, the network connection iconwill flash red and an initial system message will appear as per FIG. 45showing the system message window 380. The operator must select the okaybutton 382 for this message to disappear, but the icon will remainactive (flashing) until network connectivity is regained. Pressing theicon 100D, either when active (flashing) or inactive (not flashing)causes a pop-up window to display network attributes will be displayed.By way of example, FIG. 46 represents a pop-up window 390 when there isno network connection (e.g., the settings are all blank/have no data)and FIG. 47 shows the pop-up window 390 when there is a networkconnection, with exemplary setting details/data shown. The informationin the pop-up window 390 can be useful for troubleshooting purposes.

Thus, the alert indicator features of the scale provide astraightforward and readily accessible manner for operators to be madeaware of and track alert messages. Even on the interface screen viewsthat include multiple fields useful for performing item weigh and priceoperations, the plurality of alert icons 100A-100D are also presented,each alert icon associated with a particular notification type. Eachalert icon is selectively displayed in either an active state (e.g.,flashing red) or an inactive state (e.g., constant white), dependingupon whether the notification type associated with the alert icon doesor does not exist. The alert icons 100A-100D are displayed adjacent eachother in a group to facilitate operator viewing, creating the alertindicator section 100 of the screen views. Notably, the alert indicatorsection 100 is positioned centrally along a width of the interfacescreen view and along a perimeter (e.g., upper in the illustratedembodiment) of the interface screen view to facilitate operator viewing.When a given one of the alert icons is being displayed in the activestate, selection of the icon causes alert notification messageinformation to be displayed (e.g., in a pop-up message window).

Notably, the planogram icon feature provides a desirable method ofreorganizing a food product display area within a food retail salesestablishment. The scale displays the planogram alert icon on theoperator interface in an active state to notify the operator of anavailable planogram update. The operator selects the planogram alerticon to access an image of a desired layout of food product for the foodproduct display area is then displayed. The operator then utilizes theimage to adjust the food product display area to match the desiredlayout presented in the image. As per FIG. 44, the image may includeboth PLU number data and a product depiction for each food product inthe desired layout. In certain embodiments, the scale may even permitthe operator to print the image utilizing a printer associated with thescale.

As indicated above, multiple planogram options may be made available fordisplay to the operator, enabling multiple product display areas to beadjusted. In such an operation, the operator selects the planogramaccess icon to cause display of multiple planogram options on theoperator interface. The operator then selects (e.g., by touching theoption and then hitting the View button) a first planogram option (whichcould be any of the planogram options displayed) to cause display of afirst image of a desired layout of food product for a first food productdisplay area. The operator then utilizes the first image to adjust thefirst food product display area to correspond to the desired layoutpresented in the first image. The operator then selects a secondplanogram option to cause display of a second image of a desired layoutof food product for a second food product display area. The operatorutilizing the second image to adjust the second food product displayarea to correspond to the desired layout presented in the second image.The process may be repeated for whatever number of planogram options areavailable. The operator may delete each planogram option aftercompletion of any needed display area adjustments.

It is to be clearly understood that the above description is intended byway of illustration and example only, is not intended to be taken by wayof limitation, and that other changes and modifications are possible.

What is claimed is: 1-32. (canceled)
 33. A scale, comprising: a weighstation for receiving items to be weighed; an operator interfaceconfigured to display information associated with scale operations; acontroller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect displayof information thereon, the controller configured to present an itemweigh primary interface screen view for weighing operations and at whichidentity data regarding a given item to be weighed can be entered by anoperator and retrieved item information for the given item responsivelydisplayed in at least one product-related display field on the itemweigh primary interface screen view, wherein the item weigh primaryinterface screen view is one of multiple primary interface screen viewsavailable to an operator, the operator able to interact with theoperator interface to move between the multiple primary interface screenviews, wherein the controller is configured such that item informationretrieved and displayed on the item weigh primary interface screen viewremains available when an operator transitions from the item weighprimary interface screen view to another primary interface screen viewand back again.
 34. The scale of claim 33 wherein one of the primaryinterface screen views is a supplementary product information primaryinterface screen view that includes at least one additionalproduct-related display field and when identity data regarding the givenitem to be weighed is entered by the operator at the item weigh primaryinterface screen view the controller automatically retrieves and loadsthe additional product-related display field with data even though thesupplementary product information primary interface screen view is notbeing displayed on the operator interface.
 35. The scale of claim 34,wherein the item weigh primary interface screen view includes aselectable menu icon, where selection of the menu icon triggers displayof an menu interface window over the item weigh primary interface screenview and through which an operator can access supplemental information,and wherein the controller is configured such that item informationretrieved and displayed on the item weigh primary interface screen viewremains populated when an operator temporarily accesses and then closesthe menu interface window.
 36. A scale, comprising: a weigh station forreceiving items to be weighed; an operator interface configured todisplay information associated with scale operations; a controlleroperably coupled to the operator interface to effect display ofinformation thereon, the controller configured to present an item weighprimary interface screen view for weighing operations and at whichidentity data regarding a given item to be weighed can be entered by anoperator and item information for the given item responsively retrievedand displayed, wherein the item weigh primary interface screen viewincludes a selectable menu icon, where selection of the menu icontriggers display of an menu interface window over the item weigh primaryinterface screen view and through which an operator can accesssupplemental information, wherein the controller is configured such thatitem information retrieved and displayed on the item weigh primaryinterface screen view remains populated when an operator temporarilyaccesses and then closes the menu interface window.
 37. A method offacilitating user access to information during performance of a weighingoperation using a scale including a weigh station for receiving items tobe weighed, an operator interface configured to display informationassociated with scale operations, the operator interface including atouch-sensitive display, the method comprising the steps of: receivingidentity data regarding a given item to be weighed; displaying on anitem weigh primary interface screen view of the interface retrieved iteminformation for the given item in at least one product-related displayfield on the item weigh primary interface screen view; transitioningfrom display of the item weigh primary interface screen view to one of adifferent primary interface screen view or a menu interface windowdisplayed over the item weigh primary interface screen view;transitioning back to display of the item weigh primary interface screenview, with the retrieved item information for the given item continuingto be displayed in the product-related display field, enabling operatorcompletion of the weighing operation. 38-103. (canceled)